Emaciated French Bulldog Saved from Kill List Ahead of Thanksgiving Is 'Broken But Emotionally Resilient' (Exclusive)

Life is finally starting to look bountiful for Sweet Potato the French bulldog.

Shortly before Thanksgiving, Florida's Broward County Animal Services found the emaciated canine injured and alone in a park. Broward County Animal Services, an open-admission shelter, did not have the resources the dog needed to overcome her numerous ailments, so the Frenchie was placed on the shelter's euthanasia list.

That's where Tri-County Animal Rescue, a no-kill, nonprofit rescue organization based in Boca Raton, Fla., spotted Sweet Potato and knew it had to do something to help her.

"She was rescued from the euthanasia list at Broward County Animal Control, where her severe medical needs exceeded their resources. Emaciated, dehydrated, anemic, and suffering from a pneumothorax collapsed lung and a broken rib caused by trauma, she arrived physically broken but emotionally resilient," Amanda Zimmer, a manager of Tri-County Animal Rescue, tells PEOPLE.

"Her eyes seemed to plead for a second chance, and we knew we couldn't let her down."

It is unclear to Sweet Potato's rescuers how the 8-year-old dog ended up in such an emaciated state, but they believe the dog likely had an owner at some point due to her comfort around people.

"We know she was found abandoned in a park, but her exact history remains a mystery. What we do know is that the moment she got into our transporter's car, she fell asleep in their lap. It was as if she finally understood she was safe," Zimmer adds of the French bulldog's rescue.

Sweet Potato arrived at Tri-County Animal Rescue "profoundly weak, barely able to stand, and clearly starving." Despite these apparent discomforts, the dog still trusted the Tri-County staffers to feed her meals.

In addition to working on Sweet Potato's weight, Tri-County Animal Rescue is helping the dog with the extensive medical care she requires, "including bloodwork, fecal pa -

Hrithik Roshan and His Family to Feature,...

nels to address her gastrointestinal issues, X-rays, ultrasounds, intravenous antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications."

The French bulldog responded well to this outpouring of support until Thanksgiving, when, according to Zimmer, "she began losing weight and vomiting." Thankfully, this setback only lasted a short time, and Sweet Potato is now back to gaining weight and improving physically.

"We are cautiously optimistic that she is turning a corner," Zimmer shares.

Since Sweet Potato's health is fragile, the canine is unavailable for adoption or fostering. She will stay at the rescue's medical center until her health improves.

Animal lovers can still assist the Frenchie by donating to Tri-County Animal Rescue's emergency medical fund, which covers the vet bills of recovering pets like Sweet Potato.

"Sweet Potato's care has significantly impacted our emergency medical fund. Animal lovers can help by donating directly through our website atwww.tricountyanimalrescue.com. Contributions can go toward her ongoing medical needs, a comfortable new dog bed, and toys to brighten her days," Zimmer explains.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

She hopes the dog's resilience and gentleness in the face of adversity inspire others to fight for more positive outcomes.

"Sweet Potato's story is a testament to the power of love, dedication, and teamwork. It shows that even the most vulnerable animals can thrive with the proper care and compassion. We hope her journey inspires readers to support their local shelters and consider adopting one of the many animals waiting for a second chance to bring joy into their lives. Together, we can create more happy endings like Sweet Potato's," Zimmer says.

Related Articles

Follow Us

Bad Bunny to Release New ‘Debí Tir,...